Car Service Checklist

Monthly

Tire Pressure

Depending on the weather, tires will either expand or contract, so check their pressure and add air if necessary.

Tires

Look for things like uneven tread wear, thin spots or bulges and do something about them, quickly.

Belts

Every car has belts that should be checked on a regular basis, to check for fraying and breakage.

Hoses

Sometimes hoses will burst, become brittle or rot, so check them on a monthly basis.

Antifreeze

Also called coolant, check the level and add to it if it's low.

Air Filter

Check this and if needed, replace.

Every Three Months

Oil Changes

Without regular oil changes, the car engine can be negatively affected in many ways, so do this every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Batteries

Check and clean the terminals and cables if they are corroded.

Brake Fluid

Brakes do have a fluid level, so check it, and add to it if necessary.

Steering Fluid

Again, a simple, easy thing to do; add to it if it's low.

Transmission Fluid

One of the most important things to keep your car running, be sure to keep this at the proper level.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Seeing out of the window so that you don't wreck is important, so keep this filled up in case of bugs, muddy rain or other problems.

Every Six Months

Brakes

Note if they are starting to slip, or show any signs being worn down.

Brake Lights

Ensure that these can be seen at any time of day, by anyone.

Exhaust

Look for visible holes, cracks, or parts that are not tight.

Headlights

Double-check that the brightness, both standard and bright levels, are actually correct.

Horn

Does it work correctly, or does it need some help?

Shock Absorber

Determine whether there are any leaks, visible damage, or if they are too loose.

Spare Tire

First, ensure that there is a spare; then, double-check that the spare is correctly inflated for use, if it is needed.

Turn Signals

Ensure that the lights work on the inside, and the outside of the vehicle.

Wiper Blades

These do wear out, tear apart, and even rot, so replace them regularly

Yearly

Tuneup

Going through the car, system by system to make sure each one is working properly will save you money in the long run.

Seasonally

Check the AC in the spring, and the heat in the fall.

Alignment / Rotation

Have your tires rotated and the steering aligned yearly.

Every Five Years

Battery

Consider replacing the battery, if it hasn't already been done.

Electrical

If electrical components in the car itself don't work correctly, this will effect the battery, and the entire car, so have it completely checked out.

Air conditioning

While even the best air conditioners work for a long time, they still need to be re-done occasionally.

Radiators

Tied into keeping the car cool, along with the air conditioning, radiators do need a torough going over, and occasional replacing.